RUN to Participate as Observer in Network of Leading US Universities

The Regional Universities Network (RUN) today signed on to become an observer with the US-based University Innovation Alliance (UIA) network, a group of 11 research universities developing, testing and scaling new initiatives to improve student success.

The Chair of RUN, Professor Jan Thomas, said that the two networks shared a commitment to improving university outcomes for students regardless of socio-economic background.

“I am delighted to signal our shared commitment to improve student outcomes across the socio-economic spectrum with the UIA. The universities in our respective networks have a relatively large proportion of students who are first in family to university, and from low socio-economic backgrounds,” Professor Thomas said.

“The UIA works to scale proven innovation across their network of campuses. This year, the UIA has launched predictive analytics projects across all 11 campuses, allowing them to identify students at risk and proactively intervene to assist them. Georgia State University, a UIA institution, is a national model for student success in the United States, having eliminated race and income as a predictor of outcome.

“We are holding a workshop with the UIA to explore the use predictive analytics to improve student retention,” Professor Thomas said.

“Following the workshop, RUN will consider options for collaboration to harness the capacity of predictive analytics to inform evidence-based student retention initiatives.”

“Our mission is to ensure that all students, regardless of socio-economic status or family background, have the opportunity to achieve their post-secondary goals,” said Bridget Burns, Executive Director of the UIA.

“We are committed to sharing what we’re learning, so that students around the world can benefit.”

Further information on the University Innovation Alliance is at www.theuia.org

Contact: Dr Caroline Perkins

Executive Director, Regional Universities Network, 0408 482 736

Find out more about the Regional Universities Network at www.run.edu.au Follow us on: Twitter: @RegUniNet Facebook: www.facebook.com/RegionalUniversitiesNetwork